We identify with the groups we’re in, but that’s not elitism. That’s just human social behavior. It’s possible to be inclusive while also belonging to a group as well.

If you want elitism, read the vitriol directed toward road cyclists from the smug, self-righteous planet saving commuters in the comments following EcoVelo’s “Low Hanging Fruit” post. It’s really very disappointing. Or read this blog in Santa Cruz — in his most recent bicycle blog post, Michael chastises everybody who doesn’t ride like him, but on most days his ire is directed against road cyclist. And he likes to grumpily remind that he’s been bike commuting for 40 years now.

Now, read this and see if you can avoid a little feeling of superiority at the thought of a ‘cycling’ event where every participant — all 2,733 of them — must bring a truck — not a car, not transit, not even a bike, but a truck — to take home the exercise bike they receive for their participation.

I crashed on a downhill turn and sparks did fly from my pedals as they scraped the pavement :). Luckily on a lowracer you are basically inside the bike and so the pedals and the seat took most of the energy. Some went into my jacket (now manfully scuffed, still with a womans zipper) and my pants. Minimal blood, I finished the ride even though the crash was at 30mph. So I could easily see your version. Funny how reading your list makes me want to emphasize the blood, the speed, and the hardman nature. It was just a crash during a rando training ride.

It is all fun. I ride for fun, I race in various recumbent friendly races, I commute, I do group rides and sometimes I do some randoneuring. The only thing I am trying to do nowadays is to ride to more events. I rode to the start last year for the STP (one day). I planned on touring down (and back) to Portland from Seattle for the OHPV event on Memorial day but circumstances overcame me and I was unable to do that. I do want to do some light credit card style touring but camping instead of using hotels (in other words buying food on the road, restaurants, etc).

The list is fun and pokes fun at a number of racers. Its all good and in good fun most of the time.